Winemaker Stu Bourne, formerly of Barossa Valley Estates (think E&E Black Pepper Shiraz), has landed on his feet at Château Tanunda, and this luxury bottling is a beauty. It’s full bodied and richly tannic yet drinkable, with layers of mocha and blueberries, hints of grilled meat and a long, velvety finish.
— J.C.
(2/1/2012)
Full-bodied and velvety in texture, this wine shows plenty of oak, but it’s high-class oak, all cedar, spice and vanilla, wrapped around a core of cassis, with some brighter fruit tones sneaking in as well. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(11/1/2010)
In 2009 this single vineyard offering includes 11% Sémillon. It has wonderful texture, and a mix of light herbal flavors that run through a gamut from celery to lemongrass and up into tart citrus fruit. The acidity is generous but not searing; it penetrates but never overpowers. A quintessential food wine.
— J.C.
(12/31/2010)
Perfectly fits the prototypical Barossa style of Cabernet, displaying ripe cassis and chocolate notes framed by ample oak. It’s mouthfilling and round, with no hard edges and a long, mint-tinged finish.
— J.C.
(11/1/2011)
Already showing a bit of bricking, this is a full-bodied Shiraz that’s a bit coarse in texture, with aromas and flavors of plum and brown sugar. The finish matches tart, zingy fruit with sweet, molasses-tinged oak. The individual components show promise, but it’s tough to say if they will all come together in time.
— J.C.
(5/1/2012)
An easy-drinking Cabernet, with varietally correct notes of cassis and dried herbs framed by soft tannins. There’s a sense of reserve to it, and enough dustiness on the finish to stand up to steaks, burgers or even lamb.
— J.C.
(2/1/2012)
With this wine’s lifted aromas and candied fruit, it’s frankly a bit confectionary. Chocolate-covered cherries define the palate, while the tannins are creamy-soft and the finish slightly warming. All that said, it’s cleanly made, and fits the bill as an easy-drinking cocktail red.
— J.C.
(9/1/2010)
Yes, a certain amount of acidity is desirable in Australian Riesling, but this one is exceedingly lean and crisp. Perhaps it will blossom with age, but for now it is simply intensely citrusy and rather skinny. Pair it with oysters, or put it in a cool dark place and hope for the best.
— J.C.
(4/1/2012)